St John the Evangelist CE Primary School

Science

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sageri

Intent: In our school the teaching of science inspires a curiosity about phenomena and events in the world. We aspire to create scientists who challenge their own thinking and the thinking of others. We aim to ensure that children have a high level of science capital, with meaningful experiences which promote positive attitudes. We strive to inspire life-long interest and engagement with the subject. Pupils regularly have the opportunity to apply skills with increased independence, raising questions and recognising ways in which they might scientifically answer questions and understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

The vision for science agreed by our Science Action Group:

The children at St John the Evangelist CE Primary School want to ensure children are curious thinkers, who work collaboratively, to engage in the world around them, through hands-on, enquiry based and creative learning opportunities.

Learners are excited and engaged about their science learning - We enjoy learning about different topics in science as you can learn more about how things work and understand the world.
Learners have opportunities to independently explore scientific concepts and ideas - We find out about different scientific ideas and evaluate what we have learnt.
Learners develop an enthusiasm for learning about science in the real world - We think it is important to learn about the world around us and how to protect it.
Learners will have the opportunity to enhance their practical skills when completing scientific investigations - We enjoy carrying out practical experiments and investigating in groups.
Learners build a secure understanding of key scientific vocabulary and can use these words in cross-curricular learning - We are excited by our STEM week and our group enquiries.

Implementation: Children are exposed to a broad and rich science curriculum that is all encompassing of the incredible world around them. The curriculum gives our children the opportunity to become confident learners through substantive and disciplinary knowledge, where practical and immersive experiences compliment the rich knowledge taught to them.

Throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, children develop and build on their scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding over time. The curriculum is founded on the National Curriculum programmes of study. Knowledge has been carefully sequenced to ensure children build on prior learning and experiences.

Our science curriculum places great importance and value of working scientifically; it is imperative to a child’s learning journey in science. Effective, well-planned practical lessons help children not only apply their substantive knowledge into real-life situations, but also, through our ‘hands on’ approach, develop the skills needed to be an effective scientist. The skills of working scientifically are progressively sequenced so that children become more independent and skilled in each of the stages of an investigation as they move through the school. Lessons provide distinct opportunities for children to make links, ask questions, think critically and acquire scientific vocabulary.

In each learning journey, children focus on the study of one key scientist; these have been carefully selected, so that each pupil learns about different scientists from different disciplines throughout their scientific journey. The scientists studied reflect the diversities of the past and modern life; celebrate and promote diversity; build identity, connection and pride of scientific advances through time; and how the science world is ever evolving.

To support pupils to build science capital and a fascination of the subject, we hold an annual Science three week or STEM week. Science Oxford and other visitors enhance the experiences the children have, as well as opportunities to visit the secondary school to use the science labs. In addition, a range of science-based trips are planned fore children during their time at the school.

EYFS: Science in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) involves hands-on exploration and investigation of the world. Children engage in activities that promote curiosity, such as observing plants and animals, conducting simple experiments, and using their senses to gather information.

Children learn fundamental concepts like weather patterns, the properties of materials, and life cycles through play and inquiry. Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and communication, while reflections on their findings foster critical thinking.

Science is integrated with other areas of learning, enhancing the children’s overall learning. Through these experiences, children develop a foundational understanding of scientific principles and a love for discovery and exploration.

Impact: Assessment is ongoing and informs future teaching building a picture of the child’s attainment and progress over time. Retrieval tasks are included throughout a learning journey to help support teacher assessment in seeing what children know and remember. This gives teachers the information that they need to build a holistic picture of each individual child and enables them to plan further support and opportunities for retrieval; direct teaching and/or adaptation in future units.

Learning walks and pupil interviews show positive attitudes, with children confidently engaging in discussions about their learning, retaining prior learning and making connections between key concepts. They also show that children understand how to work scientifically and what it means to be a scientist.

Curriculum Plans

Click on the links below to download the long term plans including knowledge and skills progressions

Science curriculum overview

Progression in Science knowledge

Progression in Science skills

Click on the links below to see each year group Science Year Group Overviews

EYFS Science Overview

Year 1 Science Overview

Year 2 Science Overview

Year 3 Science Overview

Year 4 Science Overview

Year 5 Science Overview